Has the name of Gov. Paul LePage ever appeared in this column? I don’t think so.
Why today?
Like a motorist on the Turnpike, slowing down, craning his or her neck to look at that bad four-car pileup they are driving slowly by, it is so hard to resist the temptation to stumble into this food fight among him and his detractors.
Also, like the Registered Maine Guide who can help you navigate the white water of the East Branch of the Penobscot River, I think I can aid those wishing to understand his strengths— and those things about him that make some say, “Flight attendant air sickness bag, please.”
On a book shelf in a room, I have an autographed baseball from each of the Maine governors since John Reed in 1965 (I know, I know a show of hands who cares? I know I know…Sorry!)
As an Associated Press stringer in the mid-1970s, I covered then-Gov. James Longley, a so-called “independent.” Talk with him three minutes, and he would mention cutting government costs 10 percent through waste five times.
As a member of the Maine House of Representatives in the early to mid-l980s, I dealt daily with then-Gov. Joseph Brennan, a Democrat. He had a line loved by both liberals and conservatives: “The best social program for a person is a job.” I also spent two years throwing, and dodging, snowballs at the State House with then-Gov. Jock McKernan, a Republican, in the late l980s.
Angus King, another so called “independent,” was a Maine Pubic Television talk show host. I was his guest a couple times (Can’t remember details of either. Ouch!).
John Baldacci was a Democratic state senator from Bangor when I was in the House. We each commuted daily. We were usually the only two left in the State House at 11 each weeknight, opening mail, writing letters to constituents.
Gov. LePage could learn from each. Here are his Big Issues:
Amy Vanderbilt, where are you?
WWE fistfight one with Gov. Lepage is style. Yes, he is bombastic, and a little “rough around the edges.” Someone called him “Phineas T. Bluster.” Fine. Accurate, I suppose, but now— lose it.
Probably one-fifth of the people in Maine are rough around the edges. To his opponents, stop pointing out that he is rude, loud, mean, etc. etc. If that is the case, let the public pick up on it.
For Republicans, pitch in and sign him up for six to eight Dale Carnegie courses. Manners never hurt.
What are you for?
The governor’s opponents forget sometimes to talk about what they are in favor of. They are preoccupied with the constant thought, “Are people really believing this guy?!! Will the media still cover his speeches?!” Are there going to be some people who vote for him again in two years?
Answers—yes, yes and yes.
People like a certain amount of strong talk, candid talk, etc. People will forgive someone their lack of tact, diplomacy—especially if they think the person is sincere, is going the best they can—and if the voters agree with stuff the guy says. Gov. LePage benefits from some of each.
He is a self-acknowledged “street kid.” He did not grow up caddying at Portland Country Club, and dining at The Cumberland Club.
And he has a temper—news flash—a lot of people do. Go hang out for 10 minutes at a public golf course in Maine. People throw clubs and swear. It happens. A lot.
Lepage opponents must remember to ignore him. Focus on your own plans.
Symbolism is important
Symbols count.
The governor forgot how horrible it would look to go to the scene of those tragic fires in Lewiston, and have a press conference in front of burned buildings and saying we have no government help for the victims. Yikes. How about posing with a Red Cross person and saying, “Please donate!”?
As for Democrats, are there any people among the 70,000 without health care insurance who could be introduced at a press conference, shown walking into a medical clinic who would bring home to Maine people “Oh, so that is who we are harming?” A little old lady? A little old man?
Gov. Brennan got re-elected. Longley would have.
Gov. LePage (and his opponents) has much work to do. An election waits.
Dan Warren lives in Scarborough. He can be reached at jonesandwarren@gmail.com.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
